Let’s talk recalls

Let’s talk recalls

Do you have an Early Warning System for defective Takata Airbags?

By Katie Stark and Paul D’Adamo – Rebuilders Auto Supply

It is critical that Recyclers establish an Early Warning System to detect defective Takata airbags in their inventory. A recycler would want to do this for several reasons. First, it sends a message to your employees that you are serious about playing a part in the removal of defective Takata airbags. Second, it gives the business owner an established Corporate Compliance policy and procedure to protect the company. Third, once a process is in place, you can count on consistent results while allowing you to extract more money from your vehicles.

The Early Warning System should be implemented at vehicle check-in. Every recycler enters the VIN into their yard management software, whether it is Checkmate, Crush, Hollander, or Pinnacle. The Point of Entry is the critical moment when the VIN should be copied and pasted into the RAS Search and Validate screen, requiring approximately 5 seconds worth of effort to see if the airbag(s) are on the RAS buyback list. You should also copy and paste the VIN into safercar.gov to see if it is a non-buyback recall. Make this an SOP, Standard Operating Procedure, for every vehicle. Bamm! That is your Early Warning System for incoming vehicles. We have included a screen shot from our website where you can paste a single vin for immediate buyback feedback.

NOTE to URG Members: you can use the Hot Key to perform this function within Checkmate, Hollander, Crush, or Pinnacle.

Web browser set up idea: whether you use Chrome, Explorer, or Firefox as your browser, set up your tabs to automatically have the RAS Recall Site and safercar.gov load.

20 Automakers

133 Models

15 Years of Coverage

Did you know that we have 20 Automakers, 133 models, and 15 years of coverage of the defective Takata airbags that are part of the recall? (VIN validation required) Automakers include Acura, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Sterling, Subaru, and Toyota.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A QUICK REFERENCE AIRBAG MAKE/MODEL GUIDE

Many auto recyclers have adopted the best management practice of running every vehicle’s VIN through the rascorepro.com program for buyback and then safercar.gov for non-buyback airbags. Due to the gradual release of VIN’s by the automakers in waves by way of NHTSA prioritization, we have promoted the 4X VIN verification system. The 4X VIN verification process means running the VIN: 1) upon vehicle entry into your yard management software, 2) at time of dismantle, 3) pre-sale, and 4) pre-crush. Whether you are self/full service operation, or anywhere in-between, diligence with VIN’s will enable you to stay on the right side of the law.

The Early Warning System is the best way to protect your business and your customers while bringing in additional revenue.